GLORY GAME - Joost van der Westhuizen and Odette Schwegler

Quick Overview

The scenes, and behind the scenes, of the Glory Game documentary.

In 2011 the world was shocked when the news broke that Joost van der Westhuizen, known for years as the golden boy of South African rugby and a former Springbok captain, had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND). This rare condition attacks the central nervous system, causing progressive disability. There is no known cure.

All who have seen Joost in action will know that he is not one to give up without a fight. His game-changing prowess as a brilliant scrum half is now focused on a battle for survival and, more importantly, on making a difference to the lives of others with the disease.

In a race against time, Joost has a dream to fulfil. He says: “In the beginning you go through all the emotions and you ask, ‘Why me?’ It’s quite simple. ‘Why not me?’ If I have to go through this to help future generations, why not me?” His acceptance of his symptoms is equally pragmatic: “One day you can’t move your arm, another day you don’t have speech. Every day you are reborn and you take the day as it comes.”

Glory Game – The Joost van der Westhuizen Story is a compelling narrative of redemption set against the backdrop of an illustrious career in rugby. It is the story of a modern-day warrior forced to face his own human frailty. Joost shows us that beyond ambition, success and fame lies the true wealth of family and friends, and that within a ravaged body the spirit can remain invincible.

Listed among the 40 most influential people in South African media under 40, Producer/Director, Odette Schwegler has 17 years’ experience in directing and producing award-winning television. She has established herself as a successful business woman; a skilled director and a proficient producer.

The owner of Blink Pictures Odette has specialised skills in all aspects of production – technical; creative and business. She has applied these skills with success to hundreds of productions for local and international clients.

A formidable investigative journalist, Odette’s work has exposed abuse and corruption; changed laws and even put people behind bars. Through Blink Pictures Odette continues to contribute to current affairs and investigative programming, while developing long form documentaries for international release.

A keen interest in the ‘human condition’ and an empathy for people who want to tell their stories – whatever the story – give Odette’s work a characteristic honesty and compassion.